For several weeks, small posters with photos of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas have hung on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
That triggered one Norwalk resident.
The woman, whose social media handle is “Best of CT Moms” — definitely not to be confused with “Moms of Westport” — posted a video story on Instagram.
Admitting it would be “an unpopular opinion,” she said: “I do not like all the kidnapped signs all over Westport. There’s nobody here who has been kidnapped that we can actually find.”
Should there be one side of the bridge with Israelis, and one side with Palestinians, she asked, “and you choose which side to walk on?”
She continued: “What was the goal? To let people know people were kidnapped? I feel like everyone knows.”
Or perhaps to let people know that antisemitism exists? “We know as Jews people are antisemitic,” she said. “I don’t need to be reminded. It’s not positive.”
She said that protecting her own mental health was important, so she stays away from the news. But, she concluded, “I don’t need news. I can drive through Westport and see all the kidnapped people.
“It’s too much. It’s too much. It’s too much.” (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
Screenshot of “Best of CT Moms”
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In just 24 hours, Westport passed the halfway mark in its drive to provide heat to 2,000 residents in our Ukraine sister city this winter.
“06880” announced yesterday a $60,000 goal for Lyman. That would cover 2 wood pellet machines. Each heats 1,000 homes — a dire need, in the 2nd winter after Russia’s invasion.
An anonymous donor kick-started the campaign, with a $30,000 donation. Within an hour, another anonymous Westporter contributed $10,000.
Combined with $6,300 more from individual residents, we’re less than $15,000 away from funding both wood pellet heating machines.
Come on, Westport. We can finish this today — and have the machines delivered, up and running by Christmas. Ukrainine Aid International — the non-profit created by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — will handle all details.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
Wood pellet heating machine.
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Westport’s annual Hanukkah menorah lighting is set for Monday (December 11), at 5 p.m. in front of Anthropologie, where the Post Road meets Church Lane and Main Street.
The public is invited.
The downtown menorah, in 2020. (Photo/Arlene Yolles)
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Interested in learning how to make your home more energy efficient? Want to help Westport reach our goal of becoming Net Zero by 2050?
Sustainable Westport offers a “Going Geothermal” session. It provides information, resources — and confidence — to kick off an energy-saving home improvement project.
A panel of energy professionals — and Westporters who have actually been through the process — will lead a conversation, and answer questions. The event is next Tuesday (December 12, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library). Click here to register, and for more information.
Going geothermal.
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It’s all 12s for the Artists Collective of Westport.
Their 12″x12″ small works holiday show kicks off in the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn next Tuesday: 12/12. The reception (not 12 noon, but rather 6 to 8 p.m.) includes food, music and wine. “Affordable artwork” will be available, in a variety of mediums.
The show continues December 13 to 17, from 2 to 6 p.m.
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Last year, Julie Buoy Whamond threw a dance party. She raised over $4,500 for Westport’s Warm-Up Fund.
This year, she’s aiming for more.
Her “Girls Nite Dance Party” next Wednesday (December 13, 7 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall) includes a DJ and dancing.
“Bring a drink and snack to share,” Julie says. “Holiday attire encouraged!”
There’s a $35 donation to attend. Venmo @Julie-Whamond. Questions? Email Whamondjoy@gmail.com.
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The Westport Rotary Club is a longtime supporter of Mercy Learning Center.
Yesterday, Mercy’s new president and CEO Lindsay Wyman told members the many ways in which the Bridgeport non-profit educates women, in turn helping families overcome poverty.
Mercy’s holistic support services include adult education, English instruction — plus full infant and toddler care, and an early childhood education program.
Since opening in 1987, over 16,500 women have been helped. Many earn GEDs and citizenship. Volunteer tutors and childcare givers are always needed, Wyman said.
Mercy Learning Center CEO Lindsay Wyman. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Elton John loves Drew Angus.
The mega-popular knighted singer — who has sold over 300 million records worldwide — recently posted an Instagram of his reactions to a couple of other versions of his double platinum 1973 hit “Step Into Christmas.”
Among the songs he liked: the one by 2007 Staples High School graduate Angus.
Check it out below. Drew appears twice: first in a circular frame, wearing crazy glasses; then performing, in a red flannel shirt.
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Speaking of entertainment: In a few minutes (10 a.m.), Westporter Rex Fowler — half of Aztec Two-Step 2.0 — will be live on Rob Silber’s “Rock Therapy” show on WPKN-FM.
Rex will discuss his new memoir, and play a few songs mentioned in it. Click here, then click on the “Listen” link — or tune in to 89.5.
Aztec Two-Step 2.0: Dodie Pettit and Rex Fowler.
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Following up on yesterday’s announcement about makeup, skincare, health and wellness products and hair products at a special holiday gift event at Salon Nash this Saturday (December 9, 2:30 to 6 p.m., 179 Post Road West), which is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Senior Center:
Owner Felicia Nash will also give a free blowout for contributions to Ukraine Aid International’s sister city fund (click here; then click the “I want to support” box; select “Westport — Lyman Sister City”).
Salon Nash owner Felicia Catale.
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Robert Bernstein — a noted educator, and Westport resident for 55 years — died yesterday morning, surrounded by his family. He was 94. He leaves a legacy of love and laughter.
Born in the Bronx, the third of 3 boys, he earned BA and MA degrees from Brooklyn College. He served in Korea as Sergeant First Class with the 101st Airborne Infantry Division, then joined the pre-doctoral program at Teachers’ College, Columbia University.
Bob’s soulmate and life partner was Barbara (Bobbie) Grishman (Bobbie). They raised 3 children: Lydia, Doug and Brian.
Bob began his teaching career in elementary schools in New York City and Westchester County. After an administrative internship, he accepted a principalship in Wilmington, Delaware.
In 1968, Bob found a perfect fit as principal of Redding Elementary School. The family moved to Westport.
Bob was the beloved principal of Redding Elementary for 25 years, dedicating himself to facilitating the growth of children and teachers and profoundly impacting the community. After retirement, he held 4 interim principalships.
Bob also taught adult education in New York City and Westchester County, and ESL with Norwalk Community College and Literacy Volunteers in Danbury. He was a member of the board and served as president of the Elementary/Middle School Principal Association of Connecticut.
Bob was a longtime member of the Y’s Men of Westport Weston and Temple Israel. He loved opera and the symphony, enjoyed playing tennis and ping pong, and watching his grandchildren play sports. Spending time at Compo Beach remained his favorite activity.
His family says, “Bob was the consummate gentleman, treating every person with kindness, respect, and dignity. We will carry forward his most enduring and endearing quality; a belief in every person’s goodness and their capacity to grow.”
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Bobbie, their children Lydia, Doug (and Melissa) and Brian (and Lauren), his grandchildren Miriam, Brendan, Ilana, Jessica (Graham), Audrey, Cayla, Sydelle, Esther and Nate; brother-in-law Hank Grishman (Jill), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandson Jason.
Bob’s service will be held at Temple Israel tomorrow (Thursday, December 7, 1 p.m.). Burial will follow at Temple Israel Cemetery in Norwalk.
Shiva will be held at the home of Bob and Bobbie’s home on December 7 immediately following the burial, and Friday, December 8 (1 to 4 p.m.) and Saturday, December 9 (7 to 9 p.m.; service at 7:30).
Bob’s favorite educational and cultural arts charities were: A Better Chance of Westport (PO Box 2153, Westport, CT 06881) and Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County (391 East Washington Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06608).
Bob Bernstein
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The other day, our “Westport … Naturally” feature showed a swarm of blackbirds.
Here’s a similar shot, from elsewhere in Westport. Once again, there are far more than 4 and 20.
Fortunately, they’re not baked in a pie.
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
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And finally … speaking of “Step Into Christmas” (story above): Here are the 2 versions mentioned. Enjoy (and “the admission’s free…”):
(Drew Angus and Sir Elton John both urge you to support “06880.” Just make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)
